Stormy Seas & High Winds… Great Weekend for Stormwatching!

Posted by The Oregon Coast/ January 9, 2014

(Oregon Coast) – Big waves, heavy rains and high winds are coming to the Oregon coast just before the weekend, as snow levels will drop considerably in the Cascade mountains and inland areas like Portland may get some windy moments as well.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said a series of storms are coming in around Friday and over the weekend, getting progressively stronger.

For the coast and the Oregon coast range, winds could get up to 60 mph, rain could hit the two-inch mark and massive swells will likely pound the beaches.

“Details of rain amounts and location of the axis of heavier rain are still uncertain, but there is potential for two to four inches of rain in the coast range and Cascades, and around one inch inland Friday through Saturday,” the NWS said.

The strongest system is expected Friday night through Saturday. The NWS said it will tap into subtropical moisture and have the potential to generate heavy rains and high winds.

“The heavy rainfall combined with the wet weather systems leading up to this event will result in rises in rivers and streams,” the NWS said.

The strongest winds will be along the Oregon coast and coast range with gusts up to 70 mph possible. Winds in Portland could reach 30 to 35 mph.

NWS said seas will be stormy on Friday and Saturday. Storm force gusts of 45 to 50 knots are possible on the waters, and the ocean waves will likely rise above 20 feet – maybe even to 30 feet.

This means excellent stormwatching on the Oregon coast – but you’ll want to stay in your car or stick to an oceanfront lodging (you can find Oregon coast oceanfront lodging here).